Soham officer attacks vetting plan

The officer who led the investigation into the Soham murders has attacked the Government's new vetting scheme.

Retired Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Stevenson said measures aimed at protecting children from predatory adults had gone too far and needed to "get back on an even keel".

Mr Stevenson warned "no amount of legislation, record keeping or checking" could prevent all child murders by paedophiles.

His comments came as Children's Secretary Ed Balls announced a review of the rules surrounding the Vetting and Barring scheme, which could lead to more than 11 million adults undergoing criminal record checks. The review is to be carried out by the chairman of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, Sir Roger Singleton and will report by the beginning of December.

Mr Stevenson told The Times of his concerns about the "paranoia" created following the deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were heightened when he was told to stop taking pictures of his grandson at a football match. "The furore that has gripped the nation since [Soham] has made us all paranoid. Is it in the interests of children?

"Commentators keep referring back to Huntley and the events in Soham, citing this as the cause. I am sure Sir Michael Bichard did not intend this wave of recrimination over one case," he said.

Mr Balls said he wanted to look again at the scope of the scheme to make sure the "right balance" has been struck on how many people are covered. There was outrage when it emerged parents who regularly give lifts to other children on behalf of clubs like the Cub Scouts would be required to undergo criminal record checks.

Earlier, children's charities backed the review. NSPCC chief executive Andrew Flanagan said: "People want to make sure children are protected but need to fully understand and buy into any major new plan that helps to do so," he said. "This review and improved information about how it works will hopefully allay confusion and misunderstandings about what the scheme is meant to do and lead to its successful introduction."

Barnardo's chief executive Martin Narey added: "There may be a need for some adjustment in the margins to ensure the new Vetting and Barring scheme does not interfere with informal arrangements between families. But, much as it might be unpleasant to stomach, this scheme is necessary to protect our children."